Protective Coloration of Eggs

Abstract

IN view of Mr. Grensted's letter to NATURE last year (vol. xli. p. 53), asserting the writer's belief that the egg of the redb`1acked shrike varies with the tint of the lining material of the nest, and of my own reply to this (same volume, pp. 129–30), I had intended this summer to examine as large a series of nests and eggs as possible, in order to verify or disprove my former observations. I have, however, been unable to devote any time to the matter; and have only obtained two nests—both from the neighbourhood of Evesham. In each of these, I must confess that Mr. Grensted's contention is borne out. The lining of one nest is dull brown in colour; and the eggs (5) are of a mouldy-brown ground-colour, tending towards dull green. The lining of the second is brighter in tone; and contains a small fragment of red flannel. The eggs (5) of this nest show the commoner flesh-coloured ground.